London has become one of the most exciting cities for food and drink in recent years. Global superstar chefs are queuing up to open restaurants in the city and there has been exponential growth in home-grown talents as well. London's cosmopolitan mix of people has brought both the knowledge of and demand for cuisines from all over the world.

There is a strong demand for Indian and Bangladeshi cuisine in London and Brick Lane is the curry capital of Europe. Europe is well represented with cuisine from France, Italy and Spain being particularly popular. Street food markets have exploded in recent years and can be found all over the city. Borough Market and Southbank Centre Food Market are two particularly popular ones, serving pulled pork, chorizo, paella and hundreds of other exotic dishes.

The pub is a staple of the London social scene and the city's residents can be found drinking a pint of ale after Smithfield Meat Market closes at 8am; negotiating an insurance contract in the City at lunchtime; after work with colleagues; and in pub gardens all weekend. The British craft ale market has grown significantly in recent years and there is now a huge amount of choice from small and independent brewers using hops from all over the world. Some pubs have gone upmarket, offering more complex and structured food and in some cases garnering a Michelin star in the process (the Harwood Arms). London has a large number of old pubs as well, allowing the visitor to enjoy a drink in a place frequented by Dick Turpin, Charles Dickens, Lord Byron or even Jack the Ripper.

London has been a major player on the world cocktail scene since prohibition, when Harry Craddock left America and joined the American Bar at the Savoy Hotel. Today, London has 5 of the top 10 bars in the world, according to some rankings. The city is filled with cutting edge bars offering classic drinks and experimental libations in equal number. Bars are hidden in basements and behind fridge doors and not only offer excellent drinks but also exciting design and live music.

British food hasn’t always had the best reputation, but today British chefs with global experience are reinventing British cuisine using local, seasonal produce and being recognized on the world stage for their efforts. Global competition has increased the quality of British food across the board and the good old fish and chips, pies, sausage rolls and pork pies have also been brought into the 21st century.